Construction sites are known to present significantly more safety hazards than most workplaces. Ensuring that your workers are equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a key component of keeping them safe at work and moving your project forwards.
Why is the PPE important for construction?
Owing to the nature of the construction and the inherent hazards that exist on-site, PPE is essential especially for scaffolding tickets. The main aim of the PPE is to reduce the exposure of individual workers to these hazards where structural or administrative controls are not practical or effective in reducing these risks to an acceptable level. They are therefore an important complement to the broader safety initiatives being implemented on-site (such as signage and scaffolding).
What kind of PPE should be worn on a building site?
The key types of personal protective equipment for construction workers are listed here:
Work Boots
They should have slip-resistant soles to minimise the risk of slipping and falling. The sole should also be in good working order to avoid the risk of puncture, and the steel cap toe is highly recommended for protection against falling or falling objects.
Gloves
Hands are at risk of burns, cuts, fractures and absorption of chemicals. Gloves should be snug and free of rips, chemical residues or burns that could compromise their protective properties. Always replace them if they are damaged and remember to wear rubber gloves when performing heat or electrical tasks.
Ear Plugs
Aural damage is a significant risk at work due to the loud tools and machines that workers are required to operate. Always insure that the ear plugs are clean before insertion and that they fit evenly into the ear canal. Formable ear plugs are recommended to insure that different sizes of ear canals fit perfectly.
Hard Hats
Essential to protect from falling objects, they even play a role in insulation from electrical shock. They should always be a firm fit and free from deformities or teeth. If they have any kind of impact, even if there is no visible damage, they should be replaced immediately. Also be careful with the cleaning agent used on the hard hat so as not to reduce its effectiveness and never store it in direct sunlight.
Goggles
There is a risk of injury to the eyes from chemical elements, material shards, smoke and flying objects. Cutting, welding and embossing are examples of tasks that pose a risk of eye or face damage and should be performed with goggles or a face shield. Ensure that the goggles are not defective and that they comply with the ANSI Z87.1 eye protection standard. They should have a firm seal across the cheeks and forehead and should be carefully cleaned and disinfected after use.
6-High visibility of clothing
Highly important PPE when working at sites such as bridges or roads where there is a risk of being hit by passing motorists. Typically consisting of bright colours with reflective accents to maximise visibility, they may include jackets, jackets, pants or jump suits. They should fit properly so as not to create a risk of travel and be cleaned regularly to insure that the wearer remains detectable from an appropriate distance.
Masks
Surgical or facial masks are important when working on tasks that may result in the inhalation of harmful materials into the body. There are many types of masks available and it is essential to determine whether the mask is designed to protect workers from the hazard of a particular task. They must have a tight fit and be thrown away if they are disposable after each use. They must never be shared and should always be replaced immediately if the damage is sustained.
Respirator
Depending on the type of task, a simple face mask may not be sufficient. A breather is a protective mask or hood that allows the wearer to breathe clean air. There are many types, so make sure you have an appropriate breather for the job at hand. Before starting work, insure that the specific unit has been fitted and that the wearer is properly trained to operate it. Any filters need to be changed frequently and never continue to use the respirator if they are malfunctioning. It must be firmly attached to the face with a tight seal.
Sunscreen
Often overlooked as the PPE, sunscreen is of paramount importance for the protection of skin cancer in Australian workplaces. Build on your site’s behaviour to insure that workers apply it every day when they arrive on site and re-apply it throughout the day. In the absence of gloves, the sunscreen must be completely rubbed into the hands before working with tools to avoid slips and drops.
It should be noted that, according to Safe Work Australia, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for providing PPE to workers. In addition, routine inspections are well advised to insure that workers are wearing the correct EPP, are in good working order and to assess whether additional protective equipment is needed.
What does the EPP mean in construction?
EPP in construction refers to any item worn or used by an individual worker to minimise the risk to his or her health and safety. These items can be broadly classified in the following categories:
Protection of the eyes and face
Protection of the hand
Protection of the body
Breathing protection
Protection of hearing
Why is the PPE important for construction?
EPP is important in construction as it reduces the exposure of individual workers to site hazards where structural or administrative controls are not practical or effective in reducing these risks to an acceptable level.
What kind of PPE should be worn on a building site?
There is a long list of protective equipment for construction workers, but some of the key items include gloves, hard hats, boots, face masks, goggles, ear plugs and even sunscreen.